Dusty Miller Fast Facts

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Dusty Miller Fast Facts

Overview

Dusty miller is an easy-to-grow flowering plant with silvery foliage and small yellowish flowers. This versatile landscaping plant is grown as an annual in cold climates and as a perennial in temperate climates.

Features

Select this popular plant for its adaptability. Plant in sun or part shade. It thrives in damp, organic soil and, when established, is drought-tolerant.

Size

Choose dusty miller for its height, which ranges from 6 to 24 inches tall, and its ability to grow quickly into a sprawling gray mound of soft-textured leaves.

Versatility

Look for foliage to blend into your landscape design. You can find dusty miller plant varieties with leaves that are shaped like straps, oak leaves and fine lace.

Benefits

Prevention/Solution

Watch for pests like slugs and nematodes. Using your preferred control method, lift the low-spreading branches and treat the ground around the plant, before replacing foliage.

Warning

Water plants cautiously, as dusty miller is prone to root rot and stem rot. Plant in well-drained soil where air circulates freely, allowing foliage to dry after watering.

References

Dusty Miller

Keywords:
silver foliage, border landscape, drought tolerant

About this Author

Phyllis Benson is a professional writer and creative artist. Her 25-year background includes work as an editor, syndicated reporter and feature writer for publications including "Journal Plus," "McClatchy Newspapers" and "Sacramento Union." Benson earned her Bachelor of Science degree at California Polytechnic University.